Wind energy development in Nebraska looks to utilize cutting-edge technology of the future while bringing rural towns more economic diversity and potential for population growth. The potential of this new-frontier is generating enthusiasm among western Nebraska landowners attending the Nebraska Energy Export Association public meeting Tuesday in Scottsbluff. Wind energy development has been slow to evolve in Nebraska because of the government's public power system. Senator John Harms says a partnership with public power is integral in advancing wind energy and it is critical to safeguard the public power districts.

Harms told the audience as you look at, maybe we need to look at is separate entity in exporting electricity and power out of this great state. And that way it doesn't put any public power districts at risk. It gives us the opportunity to look at something completely different and it definitely helps the public power districts, it keeps them out the risk market and it gives them the opportunity to continue to do what they do really well and this provide reasonable cost in electricity for us.

Additionally, Harms says wind power development will take more than the government to move forward. Harms saying he doesn't think the government can do it on its own, it will be too costly. For the public power districts, it would be difficult for them to come in and contribute a lot. Harms says he thinks that would have a negative effect on energy costs.

The first step is changing policy in Nebraska and Harms says he will do whatever it takes on the legislative side to address this issue. As the legislation is put together, he strongly urged landowners attend and testify at hearings and to be actively involved by writing or calling senators.